My Lessons With Kumi: How I Learned to Perform With Confidence in Life and Work (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Psychological principles and skills applied to performance and presentation, taught through fictional narrative and lessons/exercises. Michael Colgrass combines neuro-linguistic programming, mime, creativity, hypnosis, psychology and Grotowski physical training in this engaging teaching tale. Nick's encounters with his teacher, Kumi, become one of the most comprehensive self-development chronicles ever written.

From the Author

My Lessons With Kumi is a novel based on ideas IÕve gathered from experts in many fields over a period of three decades. Special credit goes to John Grinder and Richard Bandler, the original co-creators of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), whose ideas are woven into this teaching tale. I have learned much from NLP developers Steve and Connirae Andreas, Leslie Cameron, Judith DeLozier, Robert Dilts, David Gordon, Michael Grinder and Steve Lankton. The ground-breaking work of family therapist Virginia Satir and hypnotherapist Milton H. Erickson also inspired me. Affectionate thanks to Toronto psychiatrist Raymond D. Leibl, M.D., in whose study group I first experimented with many of the ideas that led to this book. Also to Paul Madaule, director of The Listening Centre in Toronto, for his speech therapy techniques. My worldwide theater studies have shaped much of My Lessons With Kumi. I want to thank Stanislaw Brozowski of the Polish Mime Theater, and Richard Cieslak and Jerzy Grotowski of the Polish Theater Laboratory for their techniques in physical training. To actor/teacher Bill Hickey and voice teacher Eugene Brice of the H-B Studio in New York I owe my acting and vocal training. Thanks also to the actors of New YorkÕs Open Theater for teaching me the laughing excercise. My sources for natural healing through nutrition are numerous, including Adele Davis, Lavon J. Dunne, Julian Whitaker, M.D., and James and Phyllis Balch. From my wife, Ulla, I learned how to translate their nutritional knowledge into delicious meals. Many professionals and friends read my manuscript and gave valuable suggestions or technical information: computer specialist Alan Hahn; violinist and student of psychotherapy Janie Kim; actor/theater manager Jens Kohler; composer and teacher David Maslanka; computer software manager Bruce Anderson; graphologist Gloria Lokay; occupational therapist Roula Makhlouta; neurosurgeon Samuel Brendler, M.D,; performer/teacher/educator Kenneth Radnofsky and book producer/literary agent, Sandra J. Taylor. Special thanks to editor Steve Andreas for his incisive edits and suggestions, and for understanding what this book is about.I enjoy the mixed blessing of living in a family of professional editors. I am grateful to my wife, Ulla, whose ruthless red pen made this book more readable, and to the laser-eyed scrutiny of my screenwriter son, Neal, whose suggestions added life to My Lessons With Kumi. Most of all, my appreciation for UllaÕs patience in sharing her life with this book for eight years.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 413 pages
• Publisher: Real People Press (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911226400
• ISBN-13: 978-0911226409
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #580,193 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PERFORM AT YOUR VERY BEST, January 6, 2002

By	PianoMom (New York, United States) - See all my reviews

I am a classical concert pianist who used to suffer from pretty unrewarding experiences performing, no matter how well I played. This book helps you deal directly with the psychological obstacles that keep your best from shining through, and keep you from being in control and enjoying a situation. It manages this through precise mental excercises which seem somewhat innocuous when you're reading about them but the moment you do them yourself you realize what has been wrong all along. This is not written as your usual self-help book, rather as a well-written and interesting novel which helps develop the ideas it holds. I recommend this to everyone. It will improve your every day life

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Furthering My Journey, September 7, 2002

By	Dr. Don Fitz-Ritson (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

Michael Colgrass is a very practical and entertaining writer. This book is a joy and inspiration to read. It explain how to tap into your 'Brain' and run your life in the best possible way.

By applying the concepts he has outlined and skillfully presented in real life situations, Michael Colgrass opens news levels of learning and understanding for all.

As one appreciates the working of the 'Brain', one cannot help but realize in a compassionate way, that due to our own ignorance, we at times sabotage our lives.

This book outlines in practical ways how to take charge and run your life in all areas to the best of your ability.

Thanks Michael for this wonderful book which also provided an additional dimention to my holidays.

Next year I will tell you of my progress. I have also recommended a number of my patients to get this book.

Warm regards,

Dr. Don

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've read!, September 24, 2001

By	"carito_elfortin" (Buenos Aires, Argentina.) - See all my reviews

this is not just another self help book, this is a book to have in your bookcase for continual reference. It is so clear and it has such good ideas and exercises that you will be suprised! It is a must-have!! It is beautifully written. You will be really glad that you bought it!